Off-Duty Arizona Officer Dies in Ultralight Aircraft Crash

An off-duty sergeant with the Tucson Police Department died Wednesday morning when the ultralight aircraft he was piloting crashed in the town of Benson.

According to NBC News , witnesses said that Sergeant Timothy George Froebe appeared to be having mechanical difficulties with the aircraft and they could hear him dealing with the throttle prior to the crash.

Froebe joined the Tucson Police Department on January 30, 1995, as a patrol officer, and was promoted to Sergeant in October 2007.

The Tucson Police Department said in a statement, "Sergeant Froebe served his country for 34 years, and locally served his community for 24 years. He is survived by his wife, four children, many more family members, friends, and colleagues. The Tucson Police Department extends our deepest condolences to Sergeant Froebe's family and friends. He was loved and respected by so many at TPD and he will be deeply missed."